Symbol of patriotism made by Richmond native in POW camp

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) — An iconic American Flag made from a bed sheet with stars and stripes lovingly filled in by colored pencils is on display at the Virginia War Memorial.

The Omori POW Flag was created by Richmond native Denny Landrum while the electrician’s mate first class was held at the Omori POW camp during World War II.

Landrum was captured by the Japanese after the submarine he was serving on was sunk in battle in 1943.

The homemade flag served as a symbol of hope for the sailors stuck in the camp for over 28 months.

Landrum can be seen waving the flag in a famous picture from the camp’s liberation.

After the war ended, the flag went into storage and was forgotten about until last year. That’s when a curator working on behalf of one of Landrum’s sons discovered the flag in a Washington Navy Yard warehouse.

Jerry Landrum said the flag is a testament to the captured sailors’ resolve.

“If you can imagine these people have been in prison camp for years. They’ve endured punishments, tortures, deprivation, starvation… And they sat down and made this knowing that if they got caught, at least they would get punished not executed,” Landrum said.